Writing tips for resumes, online profiles and applications
Don’t let easy-to-fix errors create a roadblock to your next job
By Mike Ward
A super smart dandruff shampoo commercial once stated, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
When it comes to your hourly job search and the sheer amount of people applying for the same job, sometimes you’re fortunate even to get that first chance. And that first impression will more than likely come in the form of a job application, online profile or possibly even a resume.
Not all of us are English majors or bookworms. Heck, some of us only like reading magazine captions and haven’t written anything longer than our own signature in years. That’s why we’re here to give you some free resume writing tips.
So read up; otherwise, your first impression with employers could be like going on a date without using that wise, old dandruff shampoo first.
Resumes vs. applications vs. profiles
In the world of hourly and part-time jobs, you’ll rarely have to write a resume, which is a short and snappy document you create on listing all of your employment experiences, skills and references. These are usually reserved for upper level jobs and careers, depending on the field and employer. For that reason, we won’t be including a sample resume, resume templates or a free resume builder in this article. We don’t want to waste your time. (But we will give you advice that will help you for when you are writing resumes.)
As an online hourly job seeker looking for jobs on a website like SnagAJob.com, you’ll probably be asked to make a job seeker profile. This is an easy online process by which you complete several questions pertaining to your work experience, availability, skills, interests and more. While some employers using online job boards may ask a few additional questions once you’ve applied for a job, the greatest advantage to these online profiles provide is that you can fill them out once and use them for multiple job searches. Of course, if you go into a store, you’ll still find the familiar paper application, which asks questions in a format very similar to online job profiles. Here are some tips that apply to resumes, application and online profiles:
Be complete
Don’t make employers connect the dots with spotty, partially completed resumes, profiles or applications. It’s an easy way to get cut from employment consideration right away. Differentiate yourself from other applicants from the get-go by spending some quality time writing detailed answers to the questions you’re being asked.
Do you think a certain job experience might be irrelevant to your current job search? Include it anyways. Think those online business classes you took a few years back aren’t worth mentioning? Think again. Even if you don’t have anything to include for a given question, write why you don’t. For example, if you’re looking for your first job and don’t have any job experience to note in the allotted space, explain that to the employer – and be sure to include any volunteer experience in place of paid employment.
Also, be sure to use complete sentences unless otherwise instructed. Here’s a little trick: If you’re writing anything other than commands, which I just wrote in the previous sentence, say the words “It is true that…” aloud before whatever you wrote. If it makes sense, it’s probably a sentence. If it sounds funny, it’s probably either a command or a sentence fragment.
Be accurate
Ever been too lazy to go track down information you need to fill out a resume, profile or application, such as the phone number of a previous employer? Ever been tempted to make yourself look a little better on paper by inflating your skills or experiences? Just remember, hiring managers know all the tricks in the business. Odds are you’ll get busted – and embarrassed when they find out you were an assistant to the regional manager, and not the assistant regional manager. And getting caught in a lie will only hurt your chances of getting hired by that employer down the road.
Being accurate is more than an issue of personal integrity. In other words, don’t trust your computer’s spell checker to determine if you mistakenly used “their” instead of “there.” Read over your work once it’s complete. Read it again. And give it to someone with a good eye for detail. After all, you don’t want potential employers reading about your volunteer work in a “soap kitchen.” That’s just weird.
Be PG
This may go without saying… However, we still come across the occasional job seeker whose email address or other information lacks the necessary tact and professionalism. That’s kind of like wearing a tuxedo T-shirt to your best bud’s wedding. Remember: You can be unique and creative without making Snoop Dogg blush.
Be back soon…
With each passing month, you’re picking up new skills, experiences and interests. Shouldn’t you be trying to impress and woo potential employers with all these new developments? Or at least make sure you update your new phone number? Your resume and online profile should be a work in progress that you’re always keeping tabs on. Ensure your contact info is accurate, add new employment and skills, and include any applicable outside interests and hobbies. (You probably want to omit your passion for “Guitar Hero.”)
If you want to make a good impression with employers, worry less about studying a sample resume and resume templates, and more about the common sense guidelines we’ve laid out above. Good luck in your job search!
About the author
Mike Ward is the Senior Online Editor for SnagAJob.com, America's largest hourly job website. SnagAJob.com features more than 100,000 active job postings in industries including: restaurant, retail, hospitality, homecare and more. With SnagAJob.com’s quick ZIP code search, you can easily find and apply to part-time, full-time and seasonal jobs right around the corner – without ever leaving home. They'll even email you new job alerts. SnagAJob.com also has job tips to help you land your dream gig and thrive on the job. It's all free – and they're open 24/7.